H a v a n a, Tr i n i d a d & C i e n f u e g o s. March 18 to 25,

Transcription

1 CUBA INTERACTIONS H a v a n a, Tr i n i d a d & C i e n f u e g o s March 18 to 25,

2 Dear Princetonian, Princeton Journeys is pleased to announce that, by special permission of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the Office of the Alumni Association has been awarded a license to offer to our alumni and friends educational exchanges in Cuba, a country long off-limits to American travelers. Please join your fellow Princetonians and Study Leader Professor Stanley Katz, March 18-25, 2012, on this interactive Journey. The Office of the Alumni Association has certified that each traveler on our program will have a full-time schedule of educational exchange activities that will result in meaningful interaction between the travelers and individuals in Cuba. So, expect daily opportunities to converse and engage with Cuban people from all walks of life who embody the richness of unique and proud traditions in music, art, culture and history. Engage with leading intellectuals, youthful university students, talented musicians from the National School of Music, and up-and-coming artists from acclaimed galleries. Share ideas with representatives from various sectors of Cuban society to gain a deeper understanding of the transitions the Cuban people are experiencing today. We have received many queries about our Cuba plans over the past year. Now that we are able to offer this March 2012 program, we suggest that you contact Princeton Journeys team at (609) right away to reserve your space. With kind regards, Margaret M. Miller 80 Director Office of the Alumni Association Leslie Rowley Executive Manager Princeton Journeys Casa de la Obra Pia, Havana.

3 TRAVELING WITH YOU PROFESSOR STANLEY KATZ Professor Stanley Katz, who has long served as the chair of the Working Group on Cuba, a joint initiative of the American Council of Learned Societies and the Social Science Research Council, is one of only two Corresponding Members of the Academy of Sciences of Cuba to hail from the U.S. and was awarded the National Humanities Medal by President Barack Obama in a ceremony on March 2, 2011 (pictured). During this Journey, he will introduce Princetonians to Cuban intellectuals and authors and will speak on civil society in both the U.S. and Cuba. Here, he presents his thoughts on the Journey: Why should inquisitive travelers consider a Journey to interact with Cuba and her citizens? It s an unusual opportunity to experience a communist country and to see what that constantly diminishing part of the world is like. If you're going to understand world history in the second half of the 20th century, you need to do that. A trip to Cuba provides a glimpse of a communist nation confronting its long and complicated history, an exposure to the most important nation in the Caribbean, and an encounter with one of the liveliest musical and artistic cultures in the South. For those Americans who travel with an educational group to Cuba, what will be most striking in their conversations with the Cuban people? The people, an enormously diverse population, are extremely friendly, and many speak English. Of course Cubans are also happy to converse with the American willing to try out her high school Spanish. Simple conversations will show that Americans are very welcome in Cuba, despite the anti-cuban rhetoric of some American politicians and the anti-american speeches of Cuban leaders. How might enhancing American contact with the Cuban people support civil society in Cuba? The challenge is to be helpful without telling the proud and sophisticated Cuban population what to do. Cuba is probably (it is just not clear yet) at the beginning of a transition from traditional state socialism to a somewhat more open society that supports a market sector. Recent Cuban government announcements point in this direction, although much needs to be done to facilitate private enterprise in Cuba. There is also a substantial civil society sector, and Americans will be fascinated to compare Cuban civil institutions to our own nonprofit sector. At this point, American visitors have a great deal to learn from Cuban attempts to transform civil society, and vice versa. So long as neither side believes it can tell the other what it must do to succeed.

4 CUBA INTERACTIONS H a v a n a, Tr i n i d a d & C i e n f u e g o s March 18 to 25, 2012 Photos left and right by Ellen Renstrom. Photo center by Joel Stratte-McClure. Colorful balcony (left), Plaza de San Francisco de Asis (center) and El Patio restaurant (right), Havana. March 18 Sunday March 19 Monday March 20 Tuesday MIAMI / HAVANA Meet at Miami International Airport in the early morning for a regularly-scheduled chartered flight to Havana. Upon arrival at the José Martí Airport, transfer to the Melia Cohiba hotel for lunch and check-in. Later in the afternoon attend an introductory lecture on contemporary Cuban history before visiting various neighborhoods of Havana. Our welcome dinner this evening is at a lively local restaurant. HAVANA Following a morning lecture, visit El Morro fortress. Then continue to the Museum of the Revolution which documents the founding of the current government. In the late morning, visit Colon Cemetery. With its many monuments commemorating Cuban heroes, statesmen and novelists, including Nobel laureate, Alejo Carpentier, this cemetery is sometimes called the largest sculpture park in Cuba. Following lunch, continue to the small, hilltop village of San Francisco de Paula to visit the house, Finca La Vigía, where Hemingway lived for 20 years. We will view the rooms through open windows and see, on the grounds, his fishing boat Pilar. Conclude with a brief visit to the village of Cojímar, the setting for The Old Man and the Sea. The evening is at leisure, and you may wish to have dinner at a paladar, a restaurant in a private home that operates with the special permission of the Cuban government. HAVANA The arts have long presented Cubans with an opportunity to cautiously express their views on society; today hear from many Cubans involved in the arts. Join an architectural historian for a morning walking tour of Old Havana focusing on the four main squares: Plaza de Armas, Plaza de San Francisco de Asís, Plaza Vieja and Plaza de la Catedral. Conclude with lunch in the courtyard of El Patio, a typical colonial restaurant. Afternoon visits are arranged in the homes and studios of some of Havana s leading artists, where there may be an opportunity to purchase paintings and drawings. Then drive to the Ludwig Foundation for the Arts for a presentation on Cuban Art and a chance to discuss the arts with invited local guests. The Foundation President will host a cocktail reception and buffet dinner on the penthouse terrace.

5 March 21 Wednesday March 22 Thursday March 23 Friday March 24 Saturday March 25 Sunday HAVANA Attend an informal morning rehearsal of the Contemporary Dance Company of Cuba at the Teatro Nacional, located adjacent to the Plaza de la Revolución. Continue to the Center for Demographic Studies at the University of Havana to discuss contemporary issues with Princeton undergraduates who are participating in a study program in Cuba, as well as their fellow Cuban students and professors at the University. Professor Katz has also invited some of Cuba's leading intellectuals to conference with the group. In the early evening enjoy a private concert with an opportunity to chat with the performers, followed by dinner. HAVANA / PLAYA GIRÓN / CIENFUEGOS Depart by private motorcoach for Cienfuegos and stop en route at Playa Girón, the landing site for seaborne forces of armed Cuban exiles in the Bay of Pigs Invasion. Following lunch in Cienfuegos, the Princeton Group has been invited to meet with the world renowned choir, Cantores de Cienfuegos at a performance. Time permitting, visit a local artist s studio. In the late afternoon, check into the nearby Jagua Hotel. Dinner is arranged at a local restaurant. CIENFUGOS / TRINIDAD / HAVANA Drive to Trinidad, home to beautifully decorated colonial buildings and one of Cuba s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There will be time to explore this historic city and meet with local artists and craftspeople before lunch. Then drive back to Havana, and the Melia Cohiba Hotel. HAVANA Following a morning lecture, walk to the National Museum of Fine Arts for a curatorial tour focusing on their Cuban art collection. This afternoon you may wish to explore Feria de Artesania, the crafts market; stroll past the Colonial-style buildings on Calle Obispo, the main shopping street; or have lunch at the storied Hotel Nacional. In the early evening, participate in a private director s tour and reception at the Ceramics Museum before a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. HAVANA / MIAMI Transfer to the airport for the morning flight back to Miami. Please note that this itinerary is subject to change. Additionally, throughout the program we have invited special guests to join the group. Architects, museum directors, students and others will be joining us for meals and group discussions. You are encouraged to actively engage these individuals in conversation. Translators are always available upon request. Photo left courtesy of the Ceramics Museum. Photo center by Ellen Renstrom. Photo right by Meggan Reim. Tile angel at the Ceramics Museum (left), El Capitol (center) and vintage car (right), Havana.

6 TERMS & CONDITIONS PROGRAM RATE $4,995 per person, double occupancy SINGLE SUPPLEMENT $575 Rate Includes n Round-trip airfare via regularly scheduled chartered flights: Miami / Havana / Miami n Seven nights hotel accommodation, double occupancy, as per itinerary n Buffet breakfast daily, five lunches and five dinners. Bottled water, beer and coffee/tea with meals n Transportation via private motorcoach as per itinerary, including services of bilingual national guide n Airport / hotel group transfers n Taxes, service and porterage; gratuities to local guides and drivers n Cuban visa fee (excluding Cuban-born travelers, who will need to apply individually at their own expense) n Pre-departure material, including reading list Not Included in Rate Airfare between home city and Miami; Cuban departure tax; passport fees; beverages other than as indicated above; personal items and expenses; trip cancellation insurance; excess baggage; any other items not specifically mentioned as included. AIRFARE Roundtrip air travel between Miami and Havana is via regularly scheduled chartered flight. Business Class is not available. Passengers should make their own travel arrangements to/from their home city and Miami. Alternatively, Academic Arrangements Abroad (AAA) will assist on an individual basis and payment can be made by credit card only. Airfare between your home city and Miami International Airport will be quoted on an individual basis and a service fee of $75 per person will be charged. Frequent flyer mileage cannot be accepted in conjunction with this program. PAYMENT SCHEDULE $1,500 per person, payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad, of which $500 is non-refundable for administrative fees, is required with the reservation application. Balance due, by check only, 90 days prior to departure. HEALTH This is an active program and all participants must be in good health. This program involves extensive walking over uneven surfaces, climbing stairs without handrails at locations that are not handicapped accessible. Any condition that may require assistance or special medical attention must be reported at the time of your reservation. INSURANCE TRIP CANCELLATION / EMERGENCY MEDICAL EVACUATION / BAGGAGE / ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE PROTECTION IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. CANCELLATION PENALTIES ARE STRICTLY ENFORCED. As a service to its travelers, the Office of the Alumni Association of Princeton University automatically provides all Princeton Journey participants with basic medical, accident, and evacuation coverage under a group travel insurance policy. An additional limited policy, valid in Cuba only, is extended to all travelers age 80 and under as required by the Cuban government and is included in the cost of the program. IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you supplement this basic protection with your own additional coverage, as well as trip cancellation / interruption or baggage coverage. Information on additional insurance is available and will be mailed upon receipt of your reservation. CHANGES IN ITINERARY & COSTS The itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of the Office of the Alumni Association of Princeton University (AAPU) and AAA. All prices quoted are based on prevailing fuel prices, airfares and currency exchange rates in effect at time of brochure printing and are subject to change without notice. Deviations from the scheduled itinerary are not permitted. RESPONSIBILITY CLAUSE The participation of AAPU is limited to educational sponsorship of the program described in this brochure (The Program). AAA acts only as an agent for the participant with respect to transportation, accommodations and all other services, relating to The Program. AAA, AAPU and/or their agents assume no responsibility or liability for any act, error or omission, or for any injury, loss, accident, delay or irregularity that may be occasioned by reason of any defect in any aircraft, ship, train, bus or other carrier, or through neglect or default of any subcontractor or other third party, which may be used wholly or in part in the performance of their duty to the participants of The Program. The passage ticket issued by the carrier is the sole contract between the participant and the carrier. Nor will AAA or AAPU and/or their agents be responsible for loss, injury, damages or expenses to persons or property, due to illness, weather, strikes, local laws, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, acts of nature or other such causes in connection with The Program or anything beyond their reasonable control. AAA is not responsible for transportation or other program delays and changes, nor additional expenses or loss of time that may be incurred. In the event it becomes necessary or advisable for the comfort or well-being of the participants, or for any reason whatsoever, to alter the itinerary at any time, without notice to the participants, such alterations will be made without penalty to AAA or AAPU. Additional expenses, if any, shall be borne by the participants. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the participant at all times. AAPU and AAA reserve the right to accept or decline any person as a participant at any time, or to require any participant to withdraw from The Program at their own expense when such an action is determined by AAA or AAPU to be in the best interest of the participant s health and safety, or the general welfare of the other participants. CANCELLATION POLICY AAA must strictly adhere to its cancellation policy to offset costs incurred prior to the commencement of The Program, which may include but are not limited to: advance payments to land operators; communication expenses; development and the loss of time that might have permitted resale of reserved space. All cancellations must be made in writing to the offices of AAA and are subject to a $500 non-refundable administrative fee. All refunds are limited to amounts actually received by AAA and are the sole responsibility of AAA; AAPU shall have no liability for refunds. At the time AAA receives written notification of cancellation, the following cancellation charges will apply: cancellations received between 120 and 91 days prior to departure, 20 percent of the program cost per person; those received between 90 and 61 days before departure, 50 percent of the program cost per person; no refunds will be given for cancellations received within 60 days of departure. No refunds are given for cancellation on or after the day of departure, or for unused portions of the tour, for any reason. Air cancellation charges, if any, will be assessed in accordance with airline regulations. All group fare tickets must be issued no less than 30 days prior to departure. NOTE: Neither AAA nor AAPU shall be liable for any airline cancellation penalties incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket. In the case of a cancellation due to shortage of participants, AAA will attempt to notify all participants at least 45 days prior to departure. However, AAA reserves the right to cancel The Program prior to departure for any reason and, in such case, reimbursement of refundable costs of the trip by AAA shall constitute full settlement with the participant. In the unlikely event that a dispute arises between a participant and AAA or AAPU, the following conditions will apply: (a) the dispute will be settled by binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association in New York, NY; (b) the dispute will be governed by New York Law; (c) the maximum amount of recovery to which a participant shall be entitled under any and all circumstances will be the sum of all monies actually received from the participant by AAA. The participant agrees that this is a fair and reasonable limitation on the damages, of any sort whatsoever, that a participant may suffer. Upon payment of the deposit to AAA, the participant agrees to be bound by the above terms and conditions. Copyright 2011 Arrangements Abroad, Inc. TSP license No. CU California Seller of Travel # Cover photo: students at ISA, Instituto Superior de Arte, Cuba s leading art school, photo by Indra Purmale.

7 Current Restrictions on Travel & American Travelers to Cuba There are substantial restrictions on travel to Cuba from the United States and for all Americans citizens and American residents. These restrictions apply regardless of where you are traveling from on your way to Cuba or where you travel to following a visit to Cuba. The restrictions include persons who are citizens of other countries as well. Only those who are authorized by the U.S. Treasury Department s Office of Foreign Assets Control, known as OFAC, may legally travel from the United States to Cuba. There are specially licensed air carriers (CSTs) that provide charter services for authorized individuals between Cuba and the U.S. Further, air arrangements and arrangements for travel and stays within Cuba can only be made through a licensed Travel Service Provider (TSP). Academic Arrangements Abroad is a licensed Travel Service Provider and is authorized to make all travel arrangements to and from Cuba, as well as travel arrangements within Cuba for individuals who possess the following licenses: Please note that this summary of OFAC travel restrictions is for informational purposes only. For the official requirements please see: For your program, you will be traveling under a Specific License. The Office of the Alumni Association of Princeton University has been granted a Specific License for educational exchanges not involving academic study pursuant to a degree program but which promote people-to-people contact. Princeton Journeys participants travel under this license and must have a copy of the license in their possession at all times while traveling to and from Cuba. Specific Licenses: Applications must be submitted to OFAC for a Specific License, either by an individual or institution. OFAC will consider issuing a Specific License for the following: Educational exchanges not involving academic study pursuant to a degree program to promote people-to-people contact. Educational: An applicant must be traveling for certain clearly defined educational activities, including: participation in a structured educational program that includes at least 10 weeks in Cuba; independent research for writing a Master s thesis, doctoral dissertation or similar document; participation in a formal course of study or teaching at a Cuban academic institution or sponsoring a Cuban scholar in the United States. Persons traveling for religious activities. Persons traveling for certain humanitarian projects. Persons traveling for free-lance journalism. Persons traveling for professional research or to attend a professional meeting that do not meet the requirements of the relevant general license. Amateur or semi-professional athletes traveling to participate in a competition held under the auspices of an international sports Federation or for participation in certain public performances or exhibitions. Persons traveling for the purposes related to exportation, importation or transmission of information or informational material. Persons visiting close relatives who are neither Cuban national or U.S. government employees assigned to the U.S. Interest Section. For complete information, please see the OFAC website: By participating on this program, you agree to the following restrictions of the Specific License and OFAC regulations on travel to Cuba: - To travel to and from Cuba with the group - To participate fully in all program activities - To abide by the terms of the U.S. Embargo After reserving your place on the program, you will be informed of exactly what you must bring with you in order to enter Cuba and re-enter the United States according to OFAC.

8 To reserve a place, please complete and return this form with your deposit of $1,500 per person (of which $500 is non-refundable for administrative fees) payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad. Mail to: Princeton Journeys, John Maclean House, P.O. Box 291, Princeton, NJ , or fax (609) I/We are traveling to Cuba under a specific OFAC People-to-People license number CT FIRST PARTICIPANT NAME IN FULL AS ON PASSPORT MOTHER S MAIDEN NAME HOME ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP TELEPHONE (HOME) (BUSINESS) FAX PASSPORT NUMBER EXPIRATION DATE (must be valid for six months after entry into Cuba) CITIZENSHIP OCCUPATION M F DATE OF BIRTH GENDER PLACE OF BIRTH SECOND PARTICIPANT NAME IN FULL AS ON PASSPORT MOTHER S MAIDEN NAME HOME ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP TELEPHONE (HOME) (BUSINESS) FAX PASSPORT NUMBER EXPIRATION DATE (must be valid for six months after entry into Cuba) CITIZENSHIP OCCUPATION M F DATE OF BIRTH GENDER PLACE OF BIRTH Accommodations Hotel Room Preference q Double q Twin (limited availability) q Single (at a supplement of $575) I wish to share a room with Form of Payment q Enclosed is my check for $1,500 per person of which $500 is non-refundable for administrative fees (payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad) q Credit card (may be used for deposit only) NAME AS ON CREDIT CARD 3- OR 4-DIGIT SECURITY CODE CREDIT CARD NUMBER EXPIRATION DATE Each participant must sign below. C U B A W I T H P R I N C E TO N J O U R N E Y S R E S E RVAT I O N A P P L I C AT I O N 1 MARCH 18 to 25, 2012 I/We confirm that I/we will fully participate in the licensed cultural exchange activities of this People-to-People Program. I/We confirm that I/we have fully read and agree to the Terms & Conditions of this program, including the page on Cuba Travel Restrictions. I/We agree to full payment by check 90 days prior to departure. SIGNATURE REQUIRED DATE SIGNATURE REQUIRED DATE For more information, please contact Princeton Journeys at Telephone Fax journeys@princeton.edu OR Academic Arrangements Abroad (an OFAC licensed Travel Service Provider) at Telephone: or Fax: trips@arrangementsabroad.com